The Little Handbook to Perfecting the Art of Christian Writing: Getting Your Foot in the Publisher's Door [Paperback]

Leonard Goss (Author), Don Aycock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2006

In The Little Handbook to Perfecting the Art of Christian Writing, two publishing industry veterans have much to share beyond choosing subject matter, improving grammar, and strengthening sentence structure. Yes, those elements definitely matter and are duly addressed, but there are other skills to be polished if one wants to get a proverbial foot in the publisher's door. Readers will gain an insider's view of how the Christian publishing industry actually works. Key topics include building relationships with agents and editors, keeping up with industry trends, developing a strong book proposal, the growth of electronic publishing, and more. For anyone called to Christian writing, this release provides the “know-how” that is needed to further the inspiration.

Product Details

• Paperback: 267 pages
• Publisher: B&H Books (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805432647
• ISBN-13: 978-0805432640
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,103,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Power-Packed Information in a Small Book, May 18, 2006

By 

W. Terry Whalin "Publisher/ Editor / Writer" (Scottsdale, Arizona) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Little Handbook to Perfecting the Art of Christian Writing: Getting Your Foot in the Publisher's Door (Paperback)

These seasoned publishing experts have written a great resource for any Christian writer--no matter whether you are beginning or a much-published author. Beyond their own stellar credentials in publishing, these authors turned to various bestselling authors, literary agents and editors for fresh information.

In the preface, they write, "Our whole purpose in writing this book is to share our excitement regarding Christian writing on an intimate, personal basis. We have picked up tips, pointers, no-no's, maybes, and musts about writing all along the way. We want to make these available to you. There is no one way to do it, but there are some generally accepted principles and methods of going about the writing of books and getting those books published. If we can help you, our readers, make even a single step toward getting ready to write and publish, then our purpose will have been served." In an effort at full disclosure, I contributed a small bit of information from my perspective as an acquisitions editor at a Christian publishing house.

After reading this book cover to cover, I know firsthand the book is loaded with valuable advice. I hope this LITTLE HANDBOOK will become a classic resource which many will use to move ahead in their publishing careers. Every writer in Christian book publishing should read this book, then benefit from the wisdom within these pages.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A "little" handbook indeed, February 7, 2008

By 

C. D. Guthrie "thistleknoll" (Dublin, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Little Handbook to Perfecting the Art of Christian Writing: Getting Your Foot in the Publisher's Door (Paperback)

I bought this book and "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Christian Writing" at the same time and read this one first. Good thing I did, because I'd have been horribly disappointed if I had first read "Complete Idiot's Guide" -- which is jam-packed with details, how-to's, checklists, suggestions, personal stories, and reminders about keeping God at the center. Compared to the other book, this one seems thin, even in its advice on how to connect successfully with publishers. Not that it's horrible; it's not bad at all. But if you can only afford one book on Christian writing/getting published, this isn't the one.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb resource, August 3, 2006

By 

Windy (East Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Little Handbook to Perfecting the Art of Christian Writing: Getting Your Foot in the Publisher's Door (Paperback)

If you are a writer--Christian or otherwise--you will find something you need in this book. It is stuffed with ideas, encouragement, and know-how. I wish I'd had it ten years ago!